Thumbstick Adjustable Tension Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users have different preferences for thumbstick tension in game controllers, with higher tension providing greater resistance but lacking adjustability, which can lead to discomfort and reduced control precision.
Innovation Solution
A thumbstick system with an adjustable tilt tension mechanism, allowing users to customize the resistance through mechanisms such as a movable pin, compression spring, or repositionable bodies within the thumbstick assembly, enabling adjustment without disassembly or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thumbstick tension is increased to provide greater resistance, then control precision is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to excessive resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable tension mechanism that allows the thumbstick's resistance to be dynamically changed according to user preference. The mechanism includes a spring assembly with adjustable compression, enabling the tension to be modified without disassembling the controller. This resolves the contradiction by making the tension dynamic rather than fixed, allowing users to optimize for either precision or comfort as needed.
2Ease of operation
If thumbstick tension is decreased to improve user comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision deteriorates due to reduced resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable tension mechanism enables users to decrease resistance when comfort is prioritized, while maintaining the capability to increase resistance when precision is needed. The spring-based system with adjustment features allows seamless transition between tension levels, resolving the contradiction by providing a spectrum of resistance values rather than a fixed setting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable tension mechanism is added to allow customization, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is nested within the existing thumbstick assembly, with the spring and adjustment components integrated into the hollow shaft structure. The cap assembly contains the adjustment features, and the spring is positioned within the shaft cavity. This nesting approach provides tension adjustability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity and maintaining a compact form factor.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to set a preferred constant or variable thumbstick tension, enhancing comfort and control precision by allowing personalized resistance settings.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member biasing the control shaft in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
A torque or force adjustment assembly is located in the housing above the gimbal assembly and, in one embodiment, includes a spring compression member adapted to exert a force against one end of a spring to compress the spring and cause an opposite end of the spring to exert a force against the gimbal assembly
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a user input device, such as a game controller, that includes a thumbstick having adjustable tilt tension. The user input device includes a housing, a joystick assembly, a thumbstick cap, and an adjustment mechanism. The housing defines an internal cavity of the user input device and includes an aperture. The joystick assembly is disposed within the internal cavity. The joystick assembly comprises a tilt-able post and is operable to generate an analog input control signal based on a position of the tilt-able post in relation to a default position. The thumbstick cap is mounted through the aperture to an end of the tilt-able post. The adjustment mechanism is configured to enable a tilt tension of the tilt-able post to be changed.